Which place is cheaper, Mainz or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Mainz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Mainz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Leuven or Mainz?
Leuven
Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.
Mainz
On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Mainz €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Mainz is €142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Leuven and Mainz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Mainz €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Mainz €148
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Mainz
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Mainz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Leuven Hotel Prices and Mainz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Mainz €37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport: $131
- Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $109
- Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $130
- Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $109
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
- Transfer Brussels airport <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $104
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Mainz?
Prices for flights to both Mainz and Leuven change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayLeuven €49Mainz €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
- Mechelen Food Tour: $82
- Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Mainz €33
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395
Tours and Activities in Mainz
For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
- Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
- Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
- 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
- Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
- Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
- Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $43
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
- Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
- Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
- Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Mainz €22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Mainz, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Mainz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mainz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mainz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Mainz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Mainz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Mainz?
Mainz has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Mainz, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Leuven or Mainz?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Leuven or Mainz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Mainz. Additionally, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Mainz. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Mainz. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Mainz 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Mainz in the Autumn?
Both Mainz and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Leuven is a little warmer than Mainz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Mainz. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Mainz in the Winter?
Both Mainz and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.
It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. The weather in Leuven can be very cold. In the winter, Leuven is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Mainz averages at about 2°C (35°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Mainz 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Mainz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Mainz. Also, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.
In April, Leuven is generally cooler than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Mainz. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Mainz 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Mainz and Leuven
| Leuven | Mainz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.